FAQs

Energy requirements of the developing embryo are different pre and post-compaction. Pre-compaction, the embryo is undergoing cellular divisions but it’s size and weight do not change. During this stage embryos rely on pyruvate and some amino acids as their main energy source. Post-compaction, the embryo undergoes cellular differentiation while growing in both size and weight. For this stage the embryo relies on both glucose and pyruvate as energy sources, with amino acids for new protein synthesis. Having a dual phase culture system allows the medium to be tailored for the different needs of the embryo pre- and post-compaction.

The changeover between VitroCleave and VitroBlast is a quick transition. Our media has the advantage of more than one buffering system, so rapid pH change won’t happen during transition.  The embryos easily tolerate if out of the incubator for 5 minutes. Most single-phase systems will still require media to be replenished at least once during IVC as well, especially when culture is performed in microdrops with several embryos per drop (preferred).

Meeting the energy requirements of the developing embryos has far more positive effects then the negative effects of extra embryonic handling.

For OPU we recommend any of the commercially available mediums such as EmCare and ViGRO Complete flush. Both of these options need to be supplemented with 10IU of Heparin per mL prior to collecting/flushing oocytes and embryos.  We certainly don’t recommend unbuffered saline.

We use and recommend BoviPure and BoviWash from Nidacon International. We then proceed to create a 40% & 80% gradient to prepare the sperm.

The media needs to be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. It has a four-month expiry date when the bottles are unopened. After opening, bottles can be stored in the refrigerator and used within  a two week timeframe.

We do not recommend using the media after the expiry date as this can lead to variability in embryo developmental results.

Results will vary depending on many factors such as seasonality, cattle breed, and technical skill. However, generally we expect blastocyst development to be above industry standards (more than 35% from total oocyte number).

Our clients (Australian and International) report blastocyst development anywhere between 35% – 60% from oocytes. The results for each client are different due to cattle breeds, seasons, working laboratory environment and technical competence.

Please contact us  if you need help improving your results.

Every batch of media undergoes a Bovine Embryo Assay (BEA) and Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA), and is checked for osmolarity and pH prior to being released. Access our Quality control details and Certificates.

A unique aspect of our media begins with our own IVM medium formulation (VitroMat), developed from the multiple analyses of ovarian follicular fluids, and refined to maximise development results.  Our IVM media, which we offer either a Transport version (Transport VitroMat requires no CO₂ gassing), or a 6% CO₂-gassed (bicarbonate-buffered) system, has been developed by company Founder Prof. Jeremy Thompson over his longstanding cattle IVP research career. The performance of the media has shown to perform above industry standard (over 35% blastocyst development rate from oocyte number).   We do not recommend the use of TCM199 as an IVM medium, as results show this rarely provides blastocyst development rates above 35% stage of oocytes collected.

In addition, all our medium is resistant to rapid pH change when removed from any CO₂-gassed incubators.

PHE is a combination of penicillamine, hypotaurine, and epinephrine. It is used to hyperactivate and preserve motility of sperm during IVF and is highly recommended for use during commercial IVF when semen quality is variable.

COCs can remain in Transport VitroMat for the entire duration of IVM (22-24hrs); essentially from OPU right up until IVF.

Our media does not require any FCS to be added. However, depending on the quality of oocytes/COCs collected, some commercial IVF embryo producers do prefer to add a small amount during maturation (5% FCS) and during blastocyst culture (1-2%).

Yes, customisations can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss your requirements with us.

You can expect similar implantation results between fresh and vitrified-thawed embryos. The results will largely be affected by the technician’s skill capability.

We have a “Transport” option for both IVM (Transport VitroMat) and Embryo Transfer (Transport VitroBlast). This range is buffered with non-CO₂ requiring buffers and therefore, does not require gassing. This is most convenient for transportation, especially when organising gas bottles can be logistically difficult. The COCs can remain in Transport VitroMat from OPU until IVF, thereby minimising extra handling. The Transport VitroBlast can be used to transport later stage embryos in tubes or loaded in straws prior to embryo transfer for added convenience.

The PLUS Cleavage and Blastocyst media contains a specific recombinant growth factor, which has been developed from years of research. It is only available for commercial use outside of Australia. The PLUS media range can be used for the entire culture period, i.e instead of using VitroCleave medium, VitroCleave PLUS can be used following IVF until day 5 of culture. Likewise, instead of using VitroBlast medium, VitroBlast PLUS can be used from day 5 – day 8 of embryo culture.

We do have protocols for slow freezing embryos for direct transfer. We are still collating data about expected pregnancy outcomes from slow frozen direct transfer embryos produced using ART Lab Solutions media. Some recent pregnancy results have been comparable to vitrified and fresh IVF embryos.